During the last two weeks of October 2010, rehabilitated sex workers and genocide survivors participated in a sewing workshop as part of the microenterprise initiative being implemented by TDA in Rwanda. 



TDA recruited an experienced trainer from the US, who has been teaching young women to sew for the past 12 years. 



The women learned basic sewing techniques, concepts, and theory. 



They were also given the opportunity to design their own products.

This workshop provided a solid foundation for the women to continue building upon.

Quote from one of our students:
"I’m very thankful for this workshop because it’s my first time to learn to sew.  I never considered it an important skill that could help change my life.  But after this workshop I can see how it will be helpful in my future.  I had a lot of fear that I wouldn’t be able to sew, but now I really enjoy it and want to keep sewing". --Delphine

last update: Oct 2010---------------------------------------------------------------------------

TDA wins gold medal at exhibition in Rwanda showcasing
youth micro-enterprise, rehabilitated sex workers and
former child soldiers.


Handmade paper beads

TDA Booth

Officials observing TDA Booth

last update: Apr 2010---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Over the past year, Transformational Development Agency has been providing vocational training, life skills training and counseling to a group of genocide orphans and survivors. TDA has been committed to assisting them in getting them both the practical and emotional help they need to overcome the past and become active participants of the building process.

April saw the beginning of the “month of mourning” in Rwanda. Each April the nation commemorates by holding ceremonies, memorials, and burials of recently discovered remains to remember the million lives lost during the 1994 genocide.

TDA organized for a team of trained trauma counselors from the United States to come and assist the young people through this mourning period. The team met with them daily to discuss what trauma is, how it affects individuals, and how to deal with trauma in a constructive manner. They also offered individual counseling sessions for those who required additional support.

TDA staff along with the visiting team accompanied the young people to burials and memorials of their families. The emotional trauma was evident, but there are also signs of hope.

TDA is committed to providing ongoing counseling, while also preparing to have this team return in the summer for continued training.

last update: Mar 2010---------------------------------------------------------------------------

Transformational Development Agency will be conducting a skills
building workshop in Kigali, Rwanda, December 6 through 12th.  
This week long workshop is designed to engage the creative senses
of a rising generation. Over 50 participants will learn skills in the
arts that provide a foundation for individual and corporate
entrepreneurial initiatives. Each person attending will gain new
skills in trades including but not limited to sewing, painting,
sculpture, photography and jewelry making.  The goal of these
classes is to instruct individuals in the required elements
of building a business around art. A team of artisans have
joined together in this project to bring skills and experience
from art sectors from around the world
to pour into Rwandan youth.

Participants will learn how to create and market various forms
of art utilizing locally available materials to ensure sustainability
within the area. The program is also designed to equip them for
training others, guaranteeing the future of commerce in these
arenas throughout the region. Their marketable goods will be
available for sale locally and ultimately for export on a regional,
national and eventually international level.

Phase two of this program will be in 2010. It is intended to build
upon their already achieved skills as well as develop business
practices for entrepreneurs in the arena of the arts. Start up
funding will be made available to assist these
micro-enterprise ventures.

We at TDA believe that trade and entrepreneurship, not just
handouts, are keys to confronting poverty. This program will
demonstrate the necessary principles to empower individuals to
transform their own lives and communities.

The week long activity in December 2009 will culminate in a
Christmas party with over 100 at-risk children as guests of honor.
Presents, treats, finger painting and LOVE will be handed
out for all the children!

TO SEE PHOTOS FROM WORKSHOP CLICK HERE

last update: Oct 2009---------------------------------------------------------------------------

TDA is currently working on their first photo book project.
 
Photo Voice is a technique that uses photography to bring about social change. It is designed to “give a voice to the voiceless” by allowing marginalized groups to photograph the reality of their lives, tell their stories, and find healing in the process.  Their photographs and stories are intended to bring insight and
awareness to organizations and policy-makers into how these groups view their world, then stimulating positive social action on their behalf.

 

Transformational Development Agency is doing a Photo Voice Project with orphans that survived the genocide in Rwanda, and have now become child-headed families. TDA is heading up a project to allow them the opportunity to tell their stories through photography, while also providing training and counseling.

 How you can help

In order to make this project a success we are looking for 300 new or used digital cameras.  All cameras need to have batteries, the battery charger and the appropriate cable to connect to the computer.  We will be shipping all cameras in September and October of 2009.
  
Thank you for assisting in giving these people the chance to let their voice be heard.  

For more information contact Melissa at:
melissamherrmann@gmail.com

Our program is currently in progress. Their first lesson was to on how to frame a shot. By using simple paper with a hole cut in it, we were able to simulate the viewfinder in a camera to help train everyone to see thru a lens.

A natural reaction to looking through a lens for the first time is to use the lens to restrict your vision, but our goal is to help them expand their vision. We believe there are wonderful life lessons buried in the learning process of photography and photo essays.

A special thanks to Fred Beckner from Gaitherburg, MD who generously donated his Canon G3 which is already in good use.

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